Spate of carjack violence

Three attempts in an hour

Police are hunting violent thugs after Gold Coast drivers were targeted in three attempted carjackings across the city withinan hour on the weekend.

In the first incident, a Queensland Police Service spokesman said a Toyota HiLux reported as stolen blocked in a 67-year-oldwomen on Hughes Ave, Main Beach about 4.30pm on Saturday.

As the men from the HiLux attempted to approach the victim, she managed to lock her doors, reverse and drive off.

The offenders struck again 15 minutes later at Surfers Paradise, blocking in a car on Oak Ave as the victim, a 72-year-oldman, was trying to leave.

They shouted at him to get out of his car and then struck him in the chest with a metal object before driving off withoutthe vehicle.

The victim suffered minor injuries and drove himself to Gold Coast University Hospital.

A short time later, the Queensland Police Service spokesman said the same offenders were believed to have attempted anothercarjacking at Southport.

A 58-year-old man was sitting in his vehicle on Ada Bell Way when he was approached by two men with their faces covered.

They demanded he get out of his car before punching him in his right eye.

When the victim left the vehicle, the offenders tried but were unable to start the car and drove off.

The Toyota HiLux was found abandoned in Brisbane’s southeast on Mount Cotton Road near Valley Way just after 6pm.

These are significantly serious incidents. On a Saturday afternoon, broad daylight, to be as brave as they were to do this is very concerning for police.

Gold Coast police

Gold Coast Chief superintendent Craig Hanlon said the attempted carjackings were “concerning” and were believed to be randomattacks.

“These are significantly serious incidents” Supt. Hanlon said.

“On a Saturday afternoon, broad daylight, to be as brave as they were to do this is very concerning for police.”

Mr Hanlon said officers had managed to get brief descriptions of the offenders and were in the process of reviewing CCTV footage.

“We want to make sure we get them off the streets,” he said.

“Please make sure you have your vehicles locked (while driving).”

He also urged drivers to go to their closest police station or a crowded area if they had concerns about their safety.

Police ask anyone with information on the Toyota HiLux or the three attempted car jackings to ring Crime Stoppers.

They’re also appealing for anyone who may have dashcam or CCTV footage.